President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Saturday, kicked off the highly anticipated expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriageway, a strategic infrastructure project set to ease transportation and significantly boost Nigeria’s economic activities.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a monumental step in the nation’s quest for improved road networks, with both completed and ongoing sections of the road, spanning a total of 24 kilometers, being unveiled. Additionally, the President’s administration plans to extend the road by 48 kilometers in Phase Two, aiming to connect Lagos to Ijebu-Ode through Sagamu and Ore, further enhancing connectivity between major commercial hubs.
At the heart of the President’s message was the crucial role that road infrastructure plays in socio-economic development. “There is no doubt that road infrastructure plays a fundamental role in the socio-economic development of any nation,” Tinubu emphasized, echoing the sentiments of renowned architect and urban planner Norman Foster, who once said, “Infrastructure is much more than roads and bridges; it is the foundation that sustains economic growth, facilitates mobility, and enhances the quality of life.”
Tinubu’s remarks resonated with both the gathered dignitaries and the public, highlighting his administration’s strategic vision for infrastructural renewal. “This road project is a key part of our national strategy to connect rural communities to urban centres, which will in turn open up economic opportunities, ease the movement of goods, and provide a vital link between our commercial and industrial hubs,” the President declared.
Speaking directly from Ogun State, Governor Abiodun, who represented Tinubu at the ceremony, reinforced the government’s commitment to developing a modern, robust infrastructure system that would cater to both present and future needs. He explained that the expansion is aligned with the President’s ambitious Renewed Hope Agenda, a plan aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly its transportation networks.
“Today, we stand at the threshold of a transformative moment for Nigeria,” Governor Abiodun said. “This project will not only ease the flow of goods and services but will foster economic prosperity by improving connectivity and creating new opportunities across the country.”
The Ogun State Governor also highlighted that the expanded Lagos-Ibadan road would not only alleviate congestion but also facilitate easier movement between key states, enabling smooth trade and commerce across the southwestern region. He pointed out the added value the new infrastructure would bring to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, by strengthening its connections to other parts of the country.
Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Dave Umahi, further clarified the significance of the project, which includes several key components designed to improve safety and accessibility. These components include underpasses, flyovers, pedestrian bridges, and major intersections such as the Ogun River, Marlboro, and Wawa underpasses, which are integral to the road’s expansion. Umahi expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing progress and praised the collaboration between federal and state authorities.
“This project is not just about laying asphalt; it is about creating an ecosystem that will support business, transport, and the livelihood of millions of Nigerians. The expansion includes the Sagamu-Iperu section, which spans 24 kilometers and is already in its final stages,” Umahi said. “The next phase will extend the road another 48 kilometers, from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode along the Sagamu-Ore route.”
The Minister also addressed the challenges faced in the procurement process for the second phase, noting that due to discrepancies in the procurement of the second section of Phase Two, the project’s continuation was delayed. However, Umahi assured Nigerians that the issue would be resolved in a matter of weeks, with procurement set to be finalized within 30 days. Despite this, he confirmed that the first part of Phase Two—spanning the 24-kilometer stretch—would proceed without delay.
Umahi added, “While there are some procurement issues with the second phase, we have taken steps to ensure that work on this project continues. The goal is to complete the full 96 kilometers of the road network, and we will not let any obstacles impede progress.”
The Lagos-Ibadan road has long been recognized as one of Nigeria’s most vital transportation arteries, connecting Lagos to Ibadan and other southwestern states. The road’s strategic importance has only increased over the years due to rising population numbers, increased commercial activity, and the overall expansion of Nigeria’s urban and rural settlements. For years, the road has been notorious for its congestion, leading to daily bottlenecks that hinder the flow of goods and services, driving up transport costs and slowing economic productivity.
This latest phase of the road expansion project is expected to ease the perennial gridlock, not just for commuters but for freight transport as well. The expansion is poised to significantly enhance trade routes, reduce travel time, and cut down on transportation costs for goods, which is expected to have a ripple effect on the national economy.
The project, however, is not without its share of challenges. While the first phase of the road’s expansion appears well on track, the procurement issue affecting the second phase raised concerns among stakeholders. Critics argue that delays in project procurement could threaten the timely completion of the road, but government officials are optimistic that the current hurdles will be overcome swiftly.
The Lagos-Ibadan road expansion is part of a broader infrastructural revival campaign spearheaded by President Tinubu’s government, which aims to rejuvenate Nigeria’s transport infrastructure to create a more connected and mobile society. Road networks, rail systems, and airports are all part of the agenda that seeks to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, ensuring it can support the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
“The future of Nigeria’s economy hinges on the efficient movement of people and goods, and this road project is a crucial step in achieving that future,” President Tinubu concluded in his message.
The Lagos-Ibadan road expansion project is a cornerstone of Tinubu’s administration’s vision for a better-connected Nigeria, and it promises to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. With construction on both the completed 24km stretch and the upcoming 48km section set to continue apace, the future of Nigeria’s infrastructure looks brighter than ever before.
